BYU Star RB LJ Martin Provides Update On Recovery From Injury
Mar 1, 2026, 11:50 AM | Updated: Mar 2, 2026, 11:51 am
PROVO, Utah – BYU football running back LJ Martin is working his way back from a surgery he underwent in December.
Martin spoke to reporters to provide an update on his status as he gears up for his final season at BYU.
“Yeah, I’m feeling great. I’m coming along nicely, just, you know, trying to get healthy, and everything’s going good,” Martin said.
LJ Martin is preparing for the 2026 season
The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year last season suffered a shoulder injury in BYU’s win at Iowa State last October. Martin continued to play through the injury.
He opted to get the surgery in the lead-up to the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Georgia Tech.
“It wasn’t horrible. It didn’t hurt enough for me to sit out. So it was just enough to get by, and then, yeah, it just felt good. I just wanted to be out there with my guys,” Martin said on the pain he was playing through at the end of last season.
Martin turned down the opportunity to declare for the NFL draft to return for one final season at BYU. The El Paso, Texas, native will be looked upon to lead the offense once again in 2026.
Last season, Martin rushed for 1,305 yards on 236 carries for 12 touchdowns in 2025.
“He looks awesome. He’s right on target for [his return],” BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said. “…I like the way LJ is leading. I’m so impressed with his leadership skills and how he’s been getting better every year. I’m glad he came back. I think the team really needs him, and I think it’s an opportunity for him to become an even stronger leader than he was before.”
“Pretty close”
Martin then gave an optimistic timeline for when he will be back to full strength.
“I would say I’m pretty close to (returning),” said Martin on the potential timetable for a return.
BYU continues spring practices through April 2.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.
Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.
